Thadeus "Hatchet" Hakes was a thug with a talent for brutality; a reputation that earned him renown throughout the criminal underworld. Over time he carved out a powerful criminal empire for himself, but despite all the money and power he garnered through his savagery, he could never obtain the one thing he desired most: his sense of hearing.

He traveled the world and spent millions trying to find a cure for the degenerative condition that robbed him of his hearing to no avail.

Eventually, Hatchet would be approached by Dr. Dire who then granted him cybernetics that restored his hearing and improved every other aspect about Hatchet--including his violent tendencies.